Khamzat Chimaev Sets His Sights on Making Paulo Costa Cry at UFC 294

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Khamzat Chimaev Sets His Sights on Making Paulo Costa Cry at UFC 294

The highly-anticipated clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa at UFC 294 is set to be an explosive showdown, with Chimaev boldly declaring his intention to make Costa cry. UFC President Dana White’s recent announcement of this Middleweight bout in Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2023, sent shockwaves through the MMA community.

Khamzat Chimaev got an easy win over Gerald Meerschaert and is planning for his next UFC fight
Khamzat Chimaev of Chechnya celebrates after his knockout victory over Gerald Meerschaert in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on September 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

The animosity between Chimaev and Costa has been brewing for quite some time, with both fighters engaging in a fiery online feud following a physical altercation at UFC Apex last year. The simmering tension between the Swedish fighter and the Brazilian powerhouse promises a heated encounter that fans have been eagerly anticipating. Speaking in a recent interview with TNT Sports, Chimaev stated:

“I’m going to go and smash this guy and make him cry.”

Chimaev, known for his unbeaten streak and devastating performances, vowed to return with a vengeance after being sidelined for most of the year. His last appearance in the Octagon saw him conquer Kevin Holland with a first-round submission at UFC 279, further solidifying his dominant presence in the sport.

The Swedish fighter’s hunger for success extends beyond Middleweight, as he expressed interest in challenging for the light heavyweight championship against Glover Teixeira. With such ambitious aspirations, Chimaev’s determination to compete in multiple divisions sets him apart as a formidable force in the UFC.

As October approaches, the anticipation for UFC 294 continues to build, and fans are eager to witness the showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa. With both fighters boasting impressive records and undeniable skills, the clash promises to be a momentous event in the world of MMA, leaving fight enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

Paul Craig Envisions Triangle Finish Against Khamzat Chimaev

Following his impressive middleweight debut at UFC London, Scotland’s Paul Craig didn’t shy away from discussing potential matchups, including one with the rising star Khamzat Chimaev. With a convincing TKO victory over Andre Muniz, Craig made it clear that he is eager to face anyone in the middleweight division, and that includes the newly confirmed middleweight fighter, Chimaev.

Speaking about a potential showdown with Chimaev, Craig confidently stated, “If it is Khamzat and he takes me down, there’s a good chance that he’s going to get triangled.” The submission specialist showcased his grappling prowess in his latest fight, and he believes he has the skills to counter Chimaev’s ground game.

However, the matchmaking may get tricky for Craig, as he also expressed a desire to compete in both middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. This could impact his rankings and the path to potential matchups with the top contenders in each weight class.

As the dust settles after UFC London, the fight fans eagerly await Monday’s rankings to see where Craig stands. If the stars align, a thrilling clash between Craig and Chimaev might be on the horizon. Until then, the Scottish fighter remains focused on challenging anyone in his path, proving himself as a force to be reckoned with in both divisions.

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